Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Organ transplantation in Europe - statistics & facts
Organ donation is the practice of removing an organ from one person, either living or dead, and transplanting it to another person. The receiving person is usually in need because of a medical condition or an accident that has damaged their organ, which is no longer working fully or at all. Commonly transplanted organs in Europe are kidney, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, bowel, and corneas. European countries either have an ‘opt-in’ or an ‘opt-out’ system for citizens’ organ donation rights after death. In an opt-in system, the individual must explicitly state they wish to become an organ donor, while in an opt-out scheme a person is assumed to consent to organ donation unless they clearly state they are opposed to it.
